Columbus, Georgia

PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING

February 6, 2002



A meeting of the Planning Advisory Commission was held Wednesday, February 6,

2002, in the Council Chambers of the Plaza Level of the Government Center.



Commissioners Present: Chairperson Ralph King, Berry Henderson, Bradford Dodds,

Derrick Shields, Shep Mullin Rick McKnight, and Michael Corradino,



Commissioners Absent: Vice Chairperson Arline Kitchen and Sharon Jamison



Staff Members: Will Johnson, Zoning Administrator, and Denise Taylor, Recorder



Others Present: Aaron Oney, Edward Pritchett, Frank Braski, Marilyn Braski,

John Burrows, Terry Phelps, Todd Schuster, Jerry Philips, Thomas Turner, George

Woodruff III, Becky Carter, Dick Norman, Brian Grier, George Cady, David Fox,

David Erickson, and Stella Shulman





CALL TO ORDER



Chairperson King called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. Chairperson King

explained the rezoning process to the audience. Chairperson King announced that

alternates Derrick Shields and Shep Mullin would be voting in place of Vice

Chairperson Kitchens and Commissioner McKnight. Chairperson King entertained a

motion to vote on the December 5, 2001 meeting minutes. Commissioner Dodds

made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Mullin seconded the

motion. The vote was carried unanimously. Chairperson King entertained a

motion to vote on the January 16, 2001 meeting minutes. Commissioner Dodds

made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner McKnight seconded the

motion. The vote was carried unanimously.





I. TABLED CASES



1) ZC0111-9: Request to rezone the property located on the west side of Old

Pope Road, bordering the eastern boundary of Garrett Creek subdivision (See

Location Map). The

property is currently zoned A-1 (Agricultural) District. The requested zoning

is M-1 (Light Manufacturing) District. The property is to be used for

industrial.



Development Authority of Columbus, Applicant



Mr. Will Johnson presented the Planning Division=s Finding of Facts. He stated

that the request is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan P.D. 4, which

shows Low Density Residential for this area. He stated that the request do not

address the policy statements. He stated it is compatible with existing land

uses. The property is served by all city services except sanitary sewer.



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FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 2



He also stated the property does not lie within a studied floodplain and

floodway area. Engineering will need to approve a drainage plan prior to

issuance of a Site Development permit. Mr. Johnson stated that the request does

not constitute spot zoning. He also stated that the report

from Transportation Planning states that the request will not have a negative

impact on the transportation network. He reported that off street parking and

curb-cuts must meet the Codes and regulations of the City of Columbus,

Consolidated Government for commercial / industrial usage. Mr. Johnson stated

that special conditions are needed: 1) there shall be no access permitted to

Midland Road or through any residential districts, 2) there shall be a

two hundred (200) foot natural, undisturbed buffer along all property lines

that abut property that is currently zoned agricultural or residential, and 3)

certain uses permitted in an M-1 zoning district shall not be allowed as per

the Finding of Facts. He stated that he received comments from adjoining

property owners in opposition to this request.



Mr. Johnson stated that he received a letter from the applicant requesting to

table this case.

He stated that the letter read as followed; I am writing this letter to confirm

my earlier telephone request that the captioned cases be taken off of the

agenda for the Planning Advisory Commission meeting of February 6, 2002. We

will be back in touch with you concerning future action with respect to these

matters.



Chairperson King asked if the case was to be tabled indefinably.



Mr. Johnson stated yes.



2) ZC0111-8: A request to amend the zoning conditions placed in Ordinance

00-36 as it pertains to property located on the north side of Macon Road,

approximately 3,950 feet west of Midland Road (See Location Map). The

applicant has petitioned to remove the buffer requirements of Condition #1,

which pertain to the zoning line that divides the property and

which pertain to western boundary that abuts the M-2 zoning district. The

applicant also requests to move Conditions #2 & #3, provided that a minimum if

two means of ingress and egress to- and ?from Macon Road are provided. The

property is zoned M-1 (Light Manufacturing) District. The property is to be

used for apartments.



Development Authority of Columbus, Applicant



Mr. Johnson stated that the letter that was read from the Development Authority

also pertains to this case as well.



3) ZC0111-6: Request to rezone the property located adjacent to the St. Mary?s

Road-Northstar Drive intersection (See Location Map). The property is

currently zoned R-2 (Low Density Residential) District. The requested zoning

is R-4 (High Density Residential) District (changed by applicant from A-O). The

property is to be used for apartments.



Eagle Crest, LLC, Applicant

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FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 3





Mr. Will Johnson presented the Planning Division=s Finding of Facts. He stated

that the request

is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan P.D. 11, which shows Low Density

Residential for this area. He also stated that the request do not address the

policy statements. He stated it is

compatible with existing land uses. The property is served by all city

services. He also stated the property does not lie within a studied floodplain

and floodway area. Engineering will need to approve a drainage plan prior to

issuance of a Site Development permit. Mr. Johnson stated that the request

does not constitute spot zoning. He also stated that the report from

Transportation Planning states that the request will not have a negative impact

on the transportation network. He reported that off street parking and

curb-cuts must meet the Codes and regulations of the City

of Columbus, Consolidated Government for commercial usage. The proposed access

is not acceptable to tie-in to St. Mary?s Road as an offset to the west of

Northstar Drive. This will create a significant congestion and turning problem

to St. Mary?s Road. During peak traffic conditions eastbound and westbound

left turning vehicles will not be able to turn in front of each other. The

proposed driveway needs to align with Northstar Drive, which would allow for

future signalization of this intersection. Mr. Johnson stated that special

conditions are needed: 1) all

lighting shall be directed internally, 2) a deceleration lane shall be required

as determined by the City Traffic Engineer, 3) the apartment driveway shall be

required to provide for separate right and left turn exit lanes, 4) any

compactor / garbage dumpster shall visually obstructed by a structure that is

aesthetically similar to the proposed development. He stated that he received

phone calls from adjoining property owners opposing this request.



Mr. Johnson stated that he received a letter from the applicant requesting to

withdraw their case. He stated that the letter read as followed; We hereby

respectfully withdraw our request for rezoning of the above referenced St.

Mary?s road property. This decision is due to concerns raised by surrounding

neighborhoods, our desire to maintain good relations with those neighbors, and

our desire to further investigate the viability of developing under the current

zoning.



Mr. Johnson stated that the applicants could return in six months requesting a

different zoning.



Chairperson King announced that Commissioner Corradino would be abstaining from

case ZC0112-1.



4) ZC0112-1: A request to rezone the property located at 5069 Warm Spring Road

(see Location Map). The property is currently zoned R-1A (Low Density

Residential) District. The requested zoning is A-O (Apartment-Office)

District. The property is to be used for offices.



George Woodruff, III, Applicant



Mr. Will Johnson presented the Planning Division=s Finding of Facts. He

stated that the request is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan P.D. 2,

which shows Low Density Residential for this area. He stated that the request

does not address the policy statements but it is compatible with existing land

uses. The property is served by all city services. He also stated the

property

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FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 4



does not lie within a studied floodplain and floodway area. Engineering will

need to approve a drainage plan prior to issuance of a Site Development

permit. Mr. Johnson stated that the request does not constitute spot zoning.

He also stated that the report from Transportation Planning states

that the request will not have a negative impact on the transportation network

He reported that off street parking and curb-cuts must meet the Codes and

regulations of the City of Columbus,

Consolidated Government for commercial usage. Mr. Johnson stated that special

conditions are needed. 1) All lighting shall be directed internally using

deflectors, and 2) no external trash dumpsters / compactors shall not be

located along the property line bordered by the R-1A zoning district. He

stated that he received no comments from adjoining property owners.



George Woodruff III, property owner, stated that he has recently purchased this

property. He stated that he would like to put offices on the property.



Commissioner Dodds asked if there were any existing structures.



Mr. Woodruff stated that there is an existing house on the property.



Commissioner Dodds asked if there were any plans for the house and how many

building was he going to have.



Mr. Woodruff stated that he has a prospect to buy and remove the house. He

stated that his plans are to have two buildings and two offices per building.



After a brief discussion, Chairperson King entertained a motion. Commissioner

Dodds made a motion to approve the request based on the fact that it is

compatible with existing land-uses, it is served by city services, city sewer,

and city water, it does not constitute spot zoning, it does not impact

negatively on transportation network. He also stated that all special

conditions should be provided. Commissioner McKnight seconded the motion. The

vote was carried unanimously.



5) ZC0112-3: Request to rezone property located at 1741, 1729, 1715, 1711,

1703, and 1707 Elvan Avenue (See Location Map). The property is currently

zoned R-2 (Low Density Residential) District. The requested zoning is R-4

(High Density Residential) District. The property is to be used for apartments.



Aaron Oney, Applicant



Mr. Will Johnson presented the Planning Division=s Finding of Facts. He stated

that the request is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan P.D. 12, which

shows Medium Density Residential for this area. He stated that the request

does not address the policy statements. He stated it is compatible with

existing land uses. The property is served by all city services. He also

stated the property does not lie within a studied floodplain and floodway

area. Engineering will need to approve a drainage plan prior to issuance of a

Site Development permit. Mr. Johnson stated that the request does not

constitute spot zoning. He also stated that the report from

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FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 5





Transportation Planning states that the request will not have a negative impact

on the transportation network He reported that off street parking and

curb-cuts must meet the Codes and regulations of the City of Columbus,

Consolidated Government for commercial usage. Mr. Johnson stated that special

conditions are needed: 1) all lighting shall be directed internally and 2) any

external trash dumpsters / compactors shall not be located along the property

lines bordered by the R-2 zoning district. He stated that he received four

phone calls from adjoining property owners opposing this request.



Commissioner Corradino asked what was the discrepancy of the case having to be

tabled.



Mr. Johnson stated that an address was left off the map and notifications

needed to be recent to adjoining property owners.



Commissioner McKnight asked what was the concern of the four people who called.



Mr. Johnson stated that they did not want any apartments built in the immediate

area.



Aaron Oney, property owner, stated that lots 26 through 32 are to be rezoned.

He stated that the lady living on lot 25 is zoned R-4 and that is what he wants

to be zoned. He also stated that the south side of Columbus is lacking three

bedroom apartments. Mr. Oney stated that there aren?t any decent family

apartments in the area and he plans to build at least 48 apartments that would

bring quality into the neighborhood.



Commissioner Corradino asked if there was an available to look at his proposal.



Mr. Oney stated yes.



Chairperson King asked if Mr. Oney was planning on keeping the two houses that

are on the property.



Mr. Oney stated yes.



Edward Pritchett, adjoining property owner, asked if there were going to be any

one-bedroom apartments.



Mr. Oney stated no.



Commissioner Corradino asked if Mr. Pritchett lived in the neighborhood.



Mr. Pritchett stated that he represents the Heritage Place apartments.



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FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 6





Commissioner Henderson asked Mr. Oney why did he decide to go with only one

level apartment.



Mr. Oney stated that a one level apartment would be a lot easier to maintain up

keep. He stated that it would be much easier for elderly people to move in as

well.



After a brief discussion, Chairperson King entertained a motion. Commissioner

McKnight made a motion to approve the request based on the fact that it is

compatible with existing land-uses; it is served by city services, city sewer,

and city water, and does not constitute spot zoning. He also stated that all

special conditions should be provided. Commission Henderson seconded the

motion. The vote was carried unanimously.





6) ZC0112-5: Request to rezone the property located at the northwest portion of

6001 River Road (See Location Map). The property is currently zoned R-4 (High

Density Residential) District. The requested zoning is A-O (Apartment-Office)

District. The property is to be used for additional offices for The Terraces.



The Jordan Company, Applicant



Mr. Will Johnson presented the Planning Division=s Finding of Facts. He

stated that the request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan P.D. 1, which

shows Mixed Office / Commercial for this area. He stated that the request is

consistent with the policy statements P.D. 1, Commercial Development policy

statements #1. He stated it is compatible with existing land uses. The

property is served by all city services. He also stated the property does lie

within a studied floodplain and floodway area. Engineering will need to

approve a drainage plan prior to issuance of a Site Development permit. Mr.

Johnson stated that the request does not constitute spot zoning. He also

stated that the report from Transportation Planning states that the request

will not have a negative impact on the transportation network He reported

that off street parking and curb-cuts must meet the Codes and regulations of

the City of Columbus, Consolidated

Government for commercial usage. Mr. Johnson stated that special conditions

are needed: 1) No access shall be onto Green Island Drive and 2) all lighting

shall be directed internally. He stated that he received comments from an

adjoining property owner who were in support of the request.



Stella Shulman, representing the property owner, stated that the 5.7 acres

adjacent and contiguous to the Terrace apartments would become a phase 3. She

stated that Green Island Drive would not be used as an access and the buffering

along Green Island Drive would be 40ft.

She also stated that there was a meeting held with the adjoining property

owners and all showed support for the rezoning. Ms. Shulman stated that she

would like to self-impose a third condition that the use would only be office.



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FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 7





After a brief discussion, Chairperson King entertained a motion. Commissioner

Henderson made a motion to approve the request based on the fact that it is

consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, it is compatible with existing

land-uses, it is served by city services, does not constitute spot zoning, and

does not impact negatively on transportation network. He also stated that all

special conditions should be provided including the self-imposed condition.

Commission Dodds seconded the motion. The vote was carried unanimously.





II. REZONING CASES





1) ZC0201-1: A request to rezone the property located at 7401 Whitesville Road

(see Location Map). The property is currently zoned R-1 (Low Density

Residential) District. The requested zoning is R-2 (Low Density Residential)

District. The property is to be used for single family residential.



Brian Grier, Inc., Applicant



-CHANGE- Mr. Will Johnson presented the Planning Division=s Finding of Facts.

He stated that the request is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan P.D.

12, which shows Medium Density Residential for this area. He stated that the

request does not address the policy statements. He stated it is compatible with

existing land uses. The property is served by all city services. He also

stated the property does not lie within a studied floodplain and floodway

area. Engineering will need to approve a drainage plan prior to issuance of a

Site Development permit. Mr. Johnson stated that the request does not

constitute spot zoning. He also stated that the report from Transportation

Planning states that the request will not have a negative impact on the

transportation network He reported that off street parking and curb-cuts must

meet the Codes and regulations of the City of Columbus, Consolidated Government

for commercial usage. Mr. Johnson stated that special conditions are needed:

1) all lighting shall be directed internally and

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FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 8





2) any external trash dumpsters / compactors shall not be located along the

property lines bordered by the R-2 zoning district. He stated that he received

four phone calls from adjoining property owners opposing this request.



































After a brief discussion, Chairperson King entertained a motion. Commissioner

Dodds made a motion to approve the request based on the fact that it is

consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, it is consistent with the policy

statements, it is compatible with existing land-uses, it is served by city

services, city sewer, and city water, and does not constitute spot zoning. He

also stated that all special conditions should be provided. Commission Shields

seconded the motion. The vote was carried unanimously.



2) ZC0201-2: A request to rezone the property located at 3533, 3529, & 3523

Trinity Drive; & 2114 Box Road (see Location Map). The property is currently

zoned R-1A (Low Density Residential) District. The requested zoning is A-O

(Apartment-Office) District. The property is to be used for offices



Schuster Enterprises, Inc., Applicant



-CHANGE- Mr. Will Johnson presented the Planning Division=s Finding of Facts.

He stated that the request is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan P.D.

12, which shows Medium Density Residential for this area. He stated that the

request does not address the policy statements. He stated it is compatible with

existing land uses. The property is served by all city services. He also

stated the property does not lie within a studied floodplain and floodway

area. Engineering will need to approve a drainage plan prior to issuance of a

Site Development permit. Mr. Johnson stated that the request does not

constitute spot zoning. He also stated that the report from Transportation

Planning states that the request will not have a negative impact on the

transportation network He reported that off street parking and curb-cuts must

meet the Codes and regulations of the City of Columbus, Consolidated Government

for commercial usage. Mr.

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FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 9





Johnson stated that special conditions are needed: 1) all lighting shall be

directed internally and 2) any external trash dumpsters / compactors shall not

be located along the property lines bordered by the R-2 zoning district. He

stated that he received four phone calls from adjoining property owners

opposing this request.



























































After a brief discussion, Chairperson King entertained a motion. Commissioner

Dodds made a motion to approve the request based on the fact that it is

consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, it is consistent with the policy

statements, it is compatible with existing land-uses, it is served by city

services, city sewer, and city water, and does not constitute spot zoning. He

also stated that all special conditions should be provided. Commission Shields

seconded the motion. The vote was carried unanimously.







PAC MEETING

FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 10







3) ZC0201-3: A request to rezone the property located along North Lumpkin Road

& Airview Drive (see Location Map). The property is currently zoned C-3

(General Commercial) District. The requested zoning is R-4 (High Density

Residential) District. The property is to be used for multi-family residential.



Ironwood Group, Inc., Applicant



-CHANGE- Mr. Will Johnson presented the Planning Division=s Finding of Facts.

He stated that the request is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan P.D.

12, which shows Medium Density Residential for this area. He stated that the

request does not address the policy statements. He stated it is compatible with

existing land uses. The property is served by all city services. He also

stated the property does not lie within a studied floodplain and floodway

area. Engineering will need to approve a drainage plan prior to issuance of a

Site Development permit. Mr. Johnson stated that the request does not

constitute spot zoning. He also stated that the report from Transportation

Planning states that the request will not have a negative impact on the

transportation network He reported that off street parking and curb-cuts must

meet the Codes and regulations of the City of Columbus, Consolidated Government

for commercial usage. Mr. Johnson stated that special conditions are needed:

1) all lighting shall be directed internally and 2) any external trash

dumpsters / compactors shall not be located along the property lines bordered

by the R-2 zoning district. He stated that he received four phone calls from

adjoining property owners opposing this request.

















































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FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 11

































































After a brief discussion, Chairperson King entertained a motion. Commissioner

Dodds made a motion to approve the request based on the fact that it is

consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, it is consistent with the policy

statements, it is compatible with existing land-uses, it is served by city

services, city sewer, and city water, and does not constitute spot zoning. He

also stated that all special conditions should be provided. Commission Shields

seconded the motion. The vote was carried unanimously.



4) ZC0201-4: A request to rezone properties located at 1118 54th Street & 1230

54th Street. The property at 1118 54th Street is zoned M-1 (Light

Manufacturing) District with conditions. The property at 1230 54th Street is

zoned A-O (Apartment-Office) District. The requested zoning for both is M-1

(Light Manufacturing) District. The property is to be used for warehouse /

offices.



The McDougal Company, Applicant





PAC MEETING

FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 12





-CHANGE- Mr. Will Johnson presented the Planning Division=s Finding of Facts.

He stated that the request is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan P.D.

12, which shows Medium Density Residential for this area. He stated that the

request does not address the policy statements. He stated it is compatible with

existing land uses. The property is served by all city

services. He also stated the property does not lie within a studied floodplain

and floodway area. Engineering will need to approve a drainage plan prior to

issuance of a Site Development permit. Mr. Johnson stated that the request

does not constitute spot zoning. He also stated that the report from

Transportation Planning states that the request will not have a negative impact

on the transportation network He reported that off street parking and

curb-cuts must meet the Codes and regulations of the City of Columbus,

Consolidated Government for commercial usage. Mr. Johnson stated that special

conditions are needed: 1) all lighting shall be directed internally and 2) any

external trash dumpsters / compactors shall not be located along the property

lines bordered by the R-2 zoning district. He stated that he received four

phone calls from adjoining property owners opposing this request.













III. TEXT AMENDMENT



1) ZC0201-5: A request to create a new residential zoning classification. The

new A-2 (Rural Residential) zone would require a minimum of 20,000 square feet

per lot, and is an intermediary zoning between R-1 (Low Density Residential)

and A-1 (Agricultural).



































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FEBRUARY 6, 2002

PAGE 13





















V. OTHER BUSINESS



Mr. Jones announced that there are plans for an appreciation lunch January 31,

2002.



ADJOURNMENT



The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m. by Chairperson King.









______________________ ______________________________



Ralph King, Chairperson Will Johnson, Zoning

Administrator

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